Methods And Apparatus For Providing Manual Selection Of A Communication Network For A Mobile Station

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for providing manual selection of a communication network for a mobile station are described. A plurality of communication networks are identified by scanning a coverage area within which the mobile station is operating. A plurality of network identifiers corresponding to the plurality of communication networks are then retrieved from memory of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in accordance with an Enhanced Operator Name String (EONS) protocol. Preferably, each network identifier is retrieved based on a Mobile Country Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code (MNC), and a Location Area Code (LAC). The plurality of network identifiers are visually displayed for user selection, and at least two of the network identifiers may be substantially the same. The user selected communication network is registered with and the network identifier associated with this network is visually displayed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This patent application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application entitled “Methods And Apparatus For Providing Manual Selection Of A Communication Network For A Mobile Station” having application Ser. No. 10 / 776,377 and filing date of 11 Feb. 2004, which further claims priority to a PCT application of the same title filed in the Receiving Office of CIPO and having international application number PCT / CA2003 / 000210 and international filing date of 13 Feb. 2003, each application being hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Field of the Technology [0003] The present disclosure relates generally to mobile stations and network selection methods employed thereby, and more particularly to manual selection of communication networks by mobile stations. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Wireless communication devices, such as mobile stations, have the ability to commun...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes a method and apparatus for manually selecting a communication network for a mobile station in a wireless communication network. The technical effect of this patent is to provide a more transparent and simplified way for mobile stations to select the best network for communication, reducing confusion and avoiding additional service charges. The method involves scanning for available networks, retrieving network identifiers corresponding to the available networks, and displaying the network identifiers on the mobile station's visual display for the end user to select. The invention aims to improve the user experience and provide better service in wireless communication networks."

Problems solved by technology

This is often confusing to a subscriber who may believe that, for example, roaming charges are being incurred when in fact they are not.

However, there is no known procedure described for manual network selection.

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